The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

(AP) -- The St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday announced the death of Ernie Hays, a St. Louis native who spent 40 seasons as the ballpark organist.
 
Hays was 77 when he died Wednesday night.

A cause of death was not announced.
 
Hays was also organist for the NHL's St. Louis Blues, college sports teams and for professional soccer in St. Louis.

But he is best known for his work at both the old and new Busch Stadium.
 
He began his sports music career when the Cardinals installed an organ in 1971.

 His version of "Here Comes The King," a Budweiser beer advertising jingle, soon became a staple at every game.
 
Hays retired from the Cardinals in 2010.

(Copyright ©2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)